APM Terminals has officially broken ground on a major expansion of its Maasvlakte II (MVII) container terminal in the Port of Rotterdam, marking a transformational step in capacity, automation, and green operations. The project, carried out in partnership with the Port of Rotterdam Authority, is expected to reshape one of Europe’s most advanced container terminals.
Key Features of the Expansion
- The expansion will cover 51 hectares of additional terminal space, significantly enlarging the container yard.
- A 1,000‑metre deep-sea quay is being constructed to handle larger vessels and increase throughput.
- New truck and rail transfer zones will strengthen multimodal connections.
- The terminal will introduce latest-generation Automatic Terminal Trucks (ATTs), along with fully electrified infrastructure and emission-free Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs).
- The expanded terminal will be fully automated and prepared for net-zero operations.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is a central principle of the expansion:
- From 2028, the terminal will offer shore power facilities, allowing docked ships to plug into clean electricity instead of running engines, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by almost 7,000 tonnes annually.
- Operations will run entirely on renewable electricity, with electric, zero-emission AGVs already deployed on-site.
- New infrastructure, including medium-voltage connections and fiber-optic networks, will support efficient, low-carbon terminal operations.
Strategic and Economic Implications
- The expansion will double the terminal’s capacity, reinforcing Rotterdam’s role as a key European gateway for global trade.
- It signals strong confidence in the long-term strategic importance of Rotterdam in APM Terminals’ European and global network.
- The Port Authority views the project as a major boost to sustainability ambitions while meeting growing container volumes efficiently.
Progress on the Ground
- Civil works are underway, including ground improvement, underground infrastructure, and preparation for automated stacking cranes.
- A concrete plant has been installed on-site to support paving for AGV paths and other yard infrastructure.
- New security infrastructure, including fencing and a dedicated security office, is being commissioned.
- The first Automatic Terminal Trucks (ATTs) are already being tested, representing the next generation of automated hauling vehicles.
Industry Reaction and Long-Term Vision
Leaders from APM Terminals and the Port Authority have expressed strong optimism. The expansion positions Maasvlakte II as one of Europe’s largest, most efficient, and sustainable automated terminals. APM Terminals frames the project as more than a capacity upgrade — it’s a long-term commitment to green, smart, and resilient operations, reinforcing Rotterdam’s role in global supply chains.
Looking Ahead
- Phase one of the expansion is expected to be completed by late 2026, with automated and electrified infrastructure coming online soon after.
- The shore power system, set for operation in 2028, will significantly reduce emissions and help the terminal meet environmental regulations.
- The project highlights APM Terminals’ strategic focus on automation, digitalisation, and sustainable energy — setting a benchmark for next-generation port infrastructure.
Bottom line: APM Terminals’ expansion at Maasvlakte II is not just about scaling up capacity — it’s about building a greener, smarter, and more resilient terminal ready for the demands of global trade and maritime decarbonisation.
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